Churchill the Serval finds a mate at Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo has recently welcomed Sabra, a female Serval cat, who has joined Churchill, a male Serval rescued in January, in their new spacious outdoor habitat.

Churchill was rescued on 21 January from The Cat Survival Trust, which closed after the owner was prosecuted for animal welfare and licensing violations. 

The rescue was carried out swiftly to ensure his safe relocation to Dartmoor Zoo, where he could receive the care he needed.

Sabra, who had been living at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park since 2020, arrived at Dartmoor Zoo on 14 March. 

The two Servals were introduced in their new shared enclosure, which has been designed to cater to their needs, offering them a large, engaging space in the heart of the Devon countryside.

The keeper team has monitored Sabra's adjustment to her new home, and so far, she appears to be calm and in good spirits. 

Both Sabra and Churchill will continue to be monitored as they settle in together.

David Gibson, CEO of Dartmoor Zoo, said: “The entire team at Dartmoor Zoo are excited by the arrival of Sabra, our new female Serval. We have been fortunate enough to arrange for her move from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park where she has been living since 2020. Sabra will be living with Churchill, a male Serval that we recently rescued from the Cat Survival Trust in Hertfordshire when it was closed down due to the owner being prosecuted for animal welfare and licensing breaches. We plan for both Sabra and Churchill to live out the rest of their lives in peace surrounded by the beautiful Devon countryside. We’ve designed their enclosure to cater for their every need and for it to provide them with a spacious, engaging environment.”

Located between the Carpathian Lynx family and Chincha the Jaguar, the Serval enclosure will be visible to visitors. 

However, the zoo asks guests to remain calm and quiet around the area while Churchill and Sabra continue to acclimatise to their new surroundings.

Simon Jeffery, Zoological Director at Port Lympne, said: “We here at Port Lympne Reserve are sad to see Sabra go but happy she is able to be paired up with a rescued male Serval at Dartmoor Zoo and know that they will live out their lives under great care and welfare with the keepers at Dartmoor Zoo.”

Although Servals are listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List, they still face challenges like poaching, the illegal pet trade, and habitat loss. 

Native to most of Africa, except the Sahara Desert, Servals are often referred to as "Giraffe cats" due to their long necks and legs, and distinctive tawny coat with black spots and stripes.

Dartmoor Zoo is inviting the public to support Churchill and Sabra’s ongoing care.